Archives for August, 2016

Bipolar disorder is a debilitating illness filled with high and low moods. Patients have to be vigilant in tracking symptoms and taking medications in order to prevent relapse. They require a large support system of doctors, therapists, friends, family and, occasionally, social workers. Because of this, it’s important to keep studying the disorder in the hopes of...

When initially diagnosed with a lesser-known disorder like bipolar disorder, many patients want to know more about what the illness entails. If the media and popular culture are to be believed, bipolar disorder leads to violence and instability, so being grouped into this disease can be frightening. After a likely brief explanation from a doctor that this scenario is largely inaccurate, patients are left to...

“Side effects from medication” is one of the top reasons people with bipolar disorder don’t comply with treatment. Second-generation antipsychotics, specifically, are more likely than others to cause significant weight gain as a side effect. Since patients already have to endure the stigma of simply having bipolar disorder, they may not feel that it’s worth it to some...

Finding the right psychiatrist and therapist is the second most important part of treating bipolar disorder. The first is complying with treatment (taking medication as subscribed). Sticking with treatment is considerably easier when you have good relationships with your psychiatrist and therapist, but finding the right person can be a challenge. It takes considerable effort from you and your health professionals to keep bipolar disorder in check. There are five steps you can...

This article is Part II of “Planning a Life with Bipolar Disorder.” You can read Part I by clicking here.

With bipolar disorder, everything is a little bit more complicated. Along with following medication regimens, keeping a regular, low-stress schedule is key to lengthening time between episodes. Making big decisions or going through...

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong ordeal, even with treatment. Medications need to be adjusted. Therapy may be needed at some times and not others, and bipolar disorder can get worse over time. Meanwhile, life goes on. Patients’ lives are not just their bipolar disorder. They have relationships, jobs, hobbies and dreams. Unlike neurotypical people, however, all of these...

Less than 4% of the population has bipolar disorder. It’s not exactly a rare disease, but finding someone else who truly understands the struggle of the disease can be difficult when many people do not disclose their mental illness. Bipolar disorder can feel like a truly lonely experience. Social isolation is common in bipolar disorder and often contributes...

People with bipolar disorder need support systems. Most of time, family is a large part of that support system. Spouses can remind them to take their medication or take them to doctor’s appointments. Mothers provide emotional support. Siblings make sure they leave the house when they’re depressed. It’s a vital part of maintenance treatment and recovery. However, sometimes the family support system breaks down. Instead of...

Substance abuse and dependence in bipolar disorder is a huge problem. More than half of people with bipolar disorder also experience substance use disorder. That rate is seven times higher than the United States average. These patients either abuse or are dependent on alcohol, marijuana or illicit drugs like opiates or amphetamines- perhaps...